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Multistage Gradient Bioinspired Riblets for Synergistic Drag Reduction and Efficient Antifouling.
Xianxian Cui1, Dengke Chen2, Huawei Chen1,3
1School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China.
ACS Omega
|March 13, 2023
Summary
Flexible multistage gradient riblets (MSGRs) inspired by shark skin offer significant drag reduction (up to 16.8%) and antifouling properties. These riblets effectively reduce pollutant adhesion, showing promise for engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomimetics
- Fluid Dynamics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Shark skin denticles inspire riblets for drag reduction and antifouling.
- Previous studies often oversimplified riblets, ignoring gradient height and material deformation effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the drag reduction and antifouling effects of flexible multistage gradient riblets (MSGRs).
- To explore the influence of varied riblet heights and material flexibility on performance.
Main Methods:
- Experimental investigation of MSGRs performance.
- Numerical simulations to analyze flow dynamics.
- Dynamic adhesion measurements using *Chlorella vulgaris*.
Main Results:
- Maximum drag reduction rate of 16.8% achieved with flexible MSGRs (elastic modulus 4.592 MPa) at 0.5 m/s.
- Reduced *Chlorella vulgaris* adhesion area by 69.6% on flexible MSGR surfaces.
- Flexible MSGRs generate stable velocity streaks, alter flow, and reduce wall velocity gradients.
Conclusions:
- Flexible MSGRs offer synergistic drag reduction and efficient antifouling by modifying fluid dynamics.
- The proposed flexible MSGR surface shows potential for reducing surface friction and inhibiting particle attachment in engineering applications.
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